Employees who are encouraged to go to the doctor for their annual check-up are less likely to call in sick in or spend hours in the waiting room of an urgent care center. (Photo: Shutterstock)

From telemedicine to gym discounts to lunchtime exercise classes, more businesses are encouraging employees to take charge of their own health. These benefits—paired with the $5,655 employers pay on average towards employee's health insurance premiums each year—add up to a big investment on behalf of employee health.

A big investment is expected for any business that wants to recruit and retain strong, capable, and loyal employees. One study found that 75 percent of employees are more likely to stay with their employer because of the benefits program. Businesses can make strides towards building a successful company by encouraging their employees to be proactive about their health and wellness.

What's in it for the business?

Even though compensation packages are often structured around what will impress applicants and retain employees, that doesn't mean they're the only ones who benefit. Encouraging employees to be healthy positively impacts the employer, too.

Increase productivity A company's success relies heavily on the strength of its workforce. When an employee is sick, they are more likely to stay home or worse, come to work sick. Sick employees put their colleagues at risk and produce less output. Employees who are encouraged to go to the doctor for their annual check-up or schedule other preventative care appointments are less likely to call in sick in the future or spend hours in the waiting room of an urgent care center or emergency room. Time is money, and the more healthy employees there are at work, the more profitable the business.

Drive employee engagement When an employee feels empowered to take care of their health — whether they need physical therapy to heal an injury or a mental health day to reduce stress — it helps to reaffirm that their employer cares about them. It creates a sense of belief that health insurance isn't just a box that has to be checked for their employer, but a tangible benefit for both sides. Not only does this increase engagement, but it decreases employee turnover rate, saving costs on future recruiting and onboarding.

Boost morale by reducing health care costs When an employer encourages their employees to take care of their health with wellness programs or preventative care, they are potentially reducing the money an employee spends down the road as well as time spent away from work. When one employee notices the impact this could have on cost, they'll likely spread the news across the office to their colleagues, boosting morale. People want to work in an environment where they feel safe and cared for.

How to encourage employees to be proactive

Health care transparency technology, a healthy workplace, and wellness benefits are all methods businesses can use to encourage employees to be proactive about their health.

Health care transparency Health care transparency technology makes it easy for an employee to use their benefits. For example, health insurance companies and third-party software companies have cost comparison and in-network doctor search tools that help employees make smart decisions. Employees can see price information as well as procedure and quality comparisons that gauge performance and safety at each facility.

Create a healthy environment Businesses can easily create a healthy environment in the office. Employers can encourage employees to create workout groups after work or swap out some unhealthy office snacks, like chips and soda, for healthy alternatives. Business owners can even designate a meditation room for some mid-day zen.

Offer wellness benefits There are plenty of low-cost health benefits that give your employees the support and freedom they need to take care of their health. Fitness membership discounts are a great way to support your employees in their health goals, without taking up company time. Telemedicine is gaining popularity, too, because of its flexibility and convenience. Telemedicine makes it easy for employees to consult a doctor over a phone or video call, reducing the time spent commuting to the doctor and sitting in the waiting room. Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts help employees afford health services as soon as they are needed.

Healthy employees are good for business

Businesses have many expenses, but employee benefits can be as much of an asset as a cost. According to Gallup, engaged teams are 21 percent more productive than teams with low engagement. Increasing overall productivity, driving employee engagement, and boosting morale through strategies like healthcare transparency and wellness benefits are all ways businesses can benefit by encouraging their employees to be proactive with their health.

David Reid is founder and CEO of EaseCentral. 

Read more: 

• 6 statistics highlighting the trends in employee health and wellness today
• Empower employees to make smart benefits decisions
• How a proactive approach to health care data can improve worker well-being